Notice: We request that you don't just set up a new account at this time if you are a previous user. If you used to be one of our moderators, please feel free to reach out to Chris via the facebook Outerlimits4x4 group and he will get you set back up with access should he need you.
Recovery:If you cannot access your old email address and don't remember your password, please click here to log a change of email address so you can do a password reset.
After some advice on trailer brakes in QLD. I'm in the market for a camper trailer and some of the models we're looking at exceed 750kg GVM which triggers the requirement for trailer brakes. All trailers above 750kg GVM i've looked at require an in car controller. My catch is I have a work car and although towing is ok, fitting trailer brake controllers is pretty hit and miss depending on the mgt of the day. I'm thinking I can just get the controller on the trailer but one manufacturer stated that the control must be able to be adjusted by the driver whilst driving - fat chance!
I'm wondering if this is true or less complicated for them to fit and if so how does every hire company get away with fitting on trailer controls - pretty sure many trailers at work also have on trailer controls.
I guess my big worry would be insurance and the law- if something goes wrong would an insurer reject a claim and would there be a case to answer? I just cant see hire companies taking this risk!
The first Kimberley Kamper camper trailer I had was fitted with over ride disc brakes. Loaded it weighed a good 1500kgs, dry was about 1100. That was 2005 though, maybe regs have changed now?
Seeing as they are easily removed, a brake controlled should be ok to fit. Although insurance for your private use whilst towing your own camper may be an issue for your work though. Maybe that's more the issue?
My friends aren't holding me back..... I'm pulling 'em forward.
Depending on the weight - simple over ride brakes might be easiest. I needed to upgrade my box trailer to carry 700kgs making the GVM about 1 tonne which is easily towed and braked by my car but to be legal needed brakes so I put overrides on it.
The brakes do not actually work because there is not enough weight in the trailer in normal braking to overide the spring in the coupling but it is legal.
However if you feel that you might want to control the brakes when say offroad going down a steep slippery hill then cabin operated brakes would be preferred. Comes down to what you need.
You can buy electric brake controllers which fit to the drawbar of the trailer. This means that any vehicle could tow the trailer. All you need is a 12V source to power it up. From memory, RecArc do one, and there is another, the name escapes me at the moment.
My suzuki trailer is rated to 1600kg and has electric drums and a draw bar brake controller. Apparently some states don't like drawbar controllers so best to check with your local RTA
ADR 38 - which is national - states that the trailer brakes need to be adjustable and operable from the drivers seat - I interpret this as a control must be in cab.
A company by the name of sureweld advertises trailer options for their equipment including a trailer mounted brake controller only legal in queensland.
I think I will need to contact QLD's equivalent of the rta. Fingers crossed!
Trailers up to and including 750 kg GTM do not require brakes.
Minimum trailer brake requirements are as follows:
• trailers not over 2000 kg ATM must have an efficient braking system operating on the wheels on at least one axle;
• trailers up to and including 2000 kg GTM are permitted to have over-ride brakes;
• brakes (other than over-ride) must be able to be operated from the driver’s seated position;
• trailers over 2000 kg GTM require a brake system that automatically applies if the trailer
becomes detached from the towing vehicle; and
• trailers over 2000 kg ATM must have brakes operating on all wheels.
The Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is the manufacturer’s maximum mass on the trailer’s
axle when coupled to the vehicle.
The Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is the GTM plus the mass placed on the coupling.
Safety Chains
The number and type of safety chains required when towing is determined by the trailer’s
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM).
Trailers with an ATM:
• of 2500 kg or less, must have at least one safety chain that complies with Australian Standard
4177.4-1994 connected to the towing vehicle; and
• greater than 2500 kg and up to 3500 kg, must have two safety chains that comply with
Australian Standard 4177.4-1994 connected to the towing vehicle; and
• greater than 3500 kg and up to 4500 kg, must have a safety chain that complies with
Australian Standard 2321-1979 connected to the towing vehicle.
The length of the safety chain/s must prevent the trailer’s drawbar hitting the ground if the trailer is
detached from the towing vehicle.
There must be a braking system on the wheels of at least one axle and over-ride brakes are permitted for weight range from 750 to 1000 kgs. However, for caravans exceeding 1000kgs, independent brakes (electric brakes are the most common form) and are strongly recommended. So you can fit an electric braking system.
Break controllers can be moved from car to car and uses only 2 screws to hold it in place. I have had my controller in 3 different work leased cars without a issue. They are installed up out of the way were once removed you want see the holes, or you can offer to replace the panel once it is removed (this is what I did) and I have only had to do that with my last car as it was a Landcrusier Sahara. All I did was search the wreckers for a while and when I found what I needed I stored it in my garage.
FredHoffman wrote:There must be a braking system on the wheels of at least one axle and over-ride brakes are permitted for weight range from 750 to 1000 kgs.
ADR 38 - which is national - states that the trailer brakes need to be adjustable and operable from the drivers seat - I interpret this as a control must be in cab.
A company by the name of sureweld advertises trailer options for their equipment including a trailer mounted brake controller only legal in queensland.
I think I will need to contact QLD's equivalent of the rta. Fingers crossed!
No, it isn't unclear. You need to comply with the ADRs (in this instance section 4 of ADR 38) and in your case the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act (Qld) and its subsidiary regulations (in particular for this discussion the vehicle standards and safety regulation).
I believe I could take a defensible engineering position that a trailer mounted electric brake controller meets the definition of over-run brakes;
ADR Definitions wrote:OVER-RUN BRAKING SYSTEM - means a braking system actuated by the forces
generated when the towing vehicle commences to decelerate and the trailer applies
a longitudinal force to the towing vehicle through the ‘Coupling’.
just make sure the safety chains they use are actually rated.
I recently saw this and the rating is stamped into the link of the chain, than just using the heavy duty chain you get at a hardware shop..
no stampings what soo ever
CRUZAAMAD wrote:just make sure the safety chains they use are actually rated.
I recently saw this and the rating is stamped into the link of the chain, than just using the heavy duty chain you get at a hardware shop..
no stampings what soo ever
Most chain doesn't come stamped, not even rated lifting chain.
CRUZAAMAD wrote:just make sure the safety chains they use are actually rated.
I recently saw this and the rating is stamped into the link of the chain, than just using the heavy duty chain you get at a hardware shop..
no stampings what soo ever
Most chain doesn't come stamped, not even rated lifting chain.
Chain specifically for the use of break away chain is required to be marked to AS4177, if it's not then it's not legal. This is for trailers built to either VSB1 or ADR 62/-- and after 1/1/89. Older trailers are different.
Edit: light trailers. There is a weight break where the chain has to meet a different standard but as I am away from my PC I can't put my finger on it ATM.
Don't ask me, ask them. I'm just runnin for my life myself.
Well they are all following you...
No they ain't, I'm just in front...............
Specialist rigging and chain suppliers (eg. Nobles) will be able to supply appropriately stamped chain, as said by others, not stamped = not compliant. It is more than a little retarded given an appropriate size of short link lifting chain would be entirely suitable, but thems the rules in this instance.
